Cognitive Health Impact and Physiological Sensors (CHIPS) Helmet

This Phase I project addresses a pressing issue in modern military aviation, where the increasing complexity of aircraft places a heavy burden on human operators, risking safety and mission success. The U.S. ArmyÆs Future Vertical Lift program aims to introduce advanced aircraft with autonomous systems, raising concerns about operator overload and fatigue. To tackle this challenge, Quantum Applied Science and Research, Inc. (QUASAR) proposes the development of the Cognitive Health, Impact, and Physiological Sensor (CHIPS) helmet. This innovative helmet integrates nonintrusive functional near-infrared (fNIR) sensors and ballistic impact detection (BID) sensors. The fNIR sensors monitor physiological factors such as cerebral blood oxygen saturation, pulse oximetry, heart rate, and respiration rate, while the BID sensors detect impact trauma during flight. This project addresses the critical issue of operator health and safety in military aviation, which has been linked to a significant number of accidents. The CHIPS helmet provides real-time assessments of an aircrewÆs cognitive and physiological state, helping identify compromised or traumatized operators without affecting their performance. By monitoring vital signs and cognitive health, the CHIPS helmet promises to enhance mission safety and performance, ultimately contributing to the well-being of military aviators.